Patients are even more lackadaisical when doctors suggest lifestyle changes without the pills (you know, when they tell you to lose weight or cut back on drinking or quit smoking—cause none of those things are fun).

But in the patient's defense, popping pills for whatever ailment we got is often expensive. And sometimes they create more side effects than the original problem. Plus when we feel better, we're just happy and are just sick of treating ourselves. And frankly, sometimes the pills just don't work.

But more importantly, sometimes it feels like our doctors just don't care that much.

Sure they'll write out a prescription—but it often begins and ends there (even half of doctors agreed). They don't send patients reminders to adhere to treatment plans, take medication as prescribed, check blood sugar levels or follow prescribed exercise routines, though the report reveals most patients say they'd like more encouragement from their doctors.

In many ways, we're left alone with our care. If we have three out of 10 symptoms of a specific ailment, docs are quick to write out a prescription, and they don't get to the bottom of whatever problems we have. There's always some kind of quick fix, and the patients are left to shoulder the burden when it ain't the right fix after all.

Though doctors need to step up, we also have to realize it just might not happen.

For health care to be successful, patients need to be proactive as they can be about their own health in every way they can. Health care is a cycle we're a vital part of. And if we don't do our part, everything falls apart.